The Best Time to Visit Loreto Depends On...
Although I think any time of the year can be nice in Loreto, I personally think the best time to visit Loreto, Mexico is late October into November. That being said, my opinion is directly related to the things I like to do while I’m there, and it might not be the best for you. You might prefer February or August. I’ll explain my reasoning below.
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Why do I think November is the best time to visit Loreto Mexico?
I think November is the best time to visit Loreto, Mexico because the air temperature is usually more mild (80-90 degrees), so I can walk around without feeling like I’m going to die, but it’s still warm enough to thoroughly enjoy water activities.
The sea temperature is just past its peak and hovers around 70-80 degrees which is perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving at Isla Coronado and Isla Carmen. You’ll probably see sea lions and dolphins. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a whale shark, though the best place to see them is four hours south in La Paz.
During November, especially late November, hiking becomes an option again. The backdrop of the mountains surrounding Loreto are so breathtaking but way too hot to explore until late fall. However, just after the rainy season, November is the best time to hike Tabor Canyon or Mesquite Canyon to find deep pools of water lining the winding slot canyon.
Additionally, visiting in the fall avoids peak tourist season, though Loreto is rarely crowded. Unfortunately, many people visit in the winter for good reason—to watch blue and gray whales. These incredible giants aren’t in the area in November.
Next best time to go to Loreto
I’d say the next best time to visit Loreto, Mexico is February. It’s definitely the best time to visit Loreto to see blue whales—the largest animal on earth— have their babies! They love the protected waters of Loreto Bay National Marine Park. Grey whales also flock to the Pacific side of Baja to do the same. The mother gray whales literally push their babies right up to the boats in San Ignacio Lagoon, only 4.5 hours from Loreto.
February is also a great time to partake in other outdoor activities like hiking or spending a day at the famous TPC Danzante Bay golf course. With temperatures in the 70s, it’s a great time to spend the day outside. However, sea temperatures in the low 60s might be too cold for some, but I’m from Los Angeles, so I’m pretty used to it.
If you’re looking to go whale watching or hiking, February might be the best time to visit Loreto.
But isn't summertime the best time to visit Loreto, Mexico?
To be completely honest, I think don’t think summer is the best time to visit Loreto, but I’m no fisherman. I love the heat, but 90 to 100 degree temperatures are a bit much if I’m trying to enjoy strolling through town in search of the best restaurants or hiking up in the local hills. Even chilling on a boat looking for fish or whales is extremely uncomfortable for me in this weather, though the best fishing is this time of year.
Luckily, the beach stretches across the town of Loreto, and almost every resort (including my favorite resort) has a pool. However, this beach isn’t a white sandy beach like in the Caribbean. The sand is coarse and pebbly and really hot, even as early in the season as April. In order to get to the best beaches in Parque Nacional Bahía de Loreto, you’d have to either take a boat to the islands, or drive a ways out of town to a beach like El Requesón.
However, if you love the heat or want the best fishing, summer might be the best time to visit Loreto, Mexico!
Is it worth visiting Loreto in spring?
Our last trip to Loreto was in April. We were supposed to camp in Big Sur in California, but a storm showed up on the weather forecast. Two days in advance we decided to buy plane tickets to Loreto to escape the storm.
The whales were gone for the season as were the whale sharks. The sea temperature was in the low 60s and really quite cold, though still warmer than home. Even the air temperature was too hot to hike in the mountains, but guess what?
We still had an awesome time!
The air was perfect for riding bikes through town, relaxing by the pool, and just having a fantastic weekend away from Los Angeles.
Despite the sea temperatures being at their chilliest, we still went scuba diving at Isla Coronado and enjoyed a tour to ourselves. We are used to cold water diving at Channel Islands National Park, so the temperature didn’t bother us! We even saw a pod of bottlenose dolphins while we were out there.
Although some times of year are better than others, I can confidently say Loreto is worth visiting any time of the year!
Planning a Trip to Loreto?
For more information and recommendations for planning a trip to Loreto, check out these helpful articles: